Unit 2: Glaze Chemistry & Experimental Surfaces

The Anatomy of a Glaze: Students will know the three essential components of every glaze: The Flux (melter), The Alumina (stabilizer), and The Silica (glass former).

Coefficient of Expansion: They will know how "glaze fit" works and why certain glazes "craze" (crack) or "shiver" (flake off) when the expansion rate of the clay body doesn't match the glaze.

Cone Ratios & Temperature: They will understand the significant physical difference between Low-Fire (Cone 06-04) and High-Fire (Cone 5-6/10), and why putting a low-fire glaze on high-fire clay (and vice versa) can lead to structural failure or "dry" surfaces.

Underglaze vs. Glaze: They will know that underglazes are essentially colored slips (clay-based) that do not move or melt like glass-based glazes, making them ideal for detailed "Innovative Form" illustrations.

Clay Body Comparison: Students will create a series of test tiles using both Low-Fire Earthenware (red/white) and High-Fire Stoneware/Porcelain.

Atmospheric Testing: They will experiment with "Layering" (applying high-fire glaze over low-fire underglaze) and "Resist" techniques (using wax or latex) to create multi-dimensional surfaces.

Experimental Application: Students will use "Innovative" application methods: Sgraffito through underglaze, Mishima (inlaid slip), and Bubbling (blowing bubbles into glaze with a straw) to create organic textures.

• The "Innovative Surface" Project: Students will produce a variety of vessels that successfully utilizes knowledge of glaze including: distinct layers: an underglaze illustration, a textural resist, and a final translucent high-fire glaze.

• Safety Mastery and Studio Knowledge